Our musical curriculum
Our program accommodates musicians of all grades and skill levels with a wide range of full-year courses and clubs in a friendly, noncompetitive environment.
Concert Band
Open to all students of all skill levels, this full-year elective exposes participants to exciting and challenging works from major classical and contemporary composers. Students learn about proper instrument technique, music reading, and ensemble playing in addition to performing at two concerts and various school-sponsored activities.
This course meets three times per cycle.
String Orchestra
A full-year elective offered to students of all skill levels, this course focuses on music written for the string section of a traditional orchestra — however, piano, harp, and guitar players are also welcome to join. Participants learn proper playing techniques including bowing, vibrato, and position playing as they perform works by classical and contemporary composers.
This course meets four times per cycle and performs in concerts twice per year.
Jazz Band
Open to students of all skill levels, this cocurricular group plays the music of early jazz masters as well as noted contemporary artists. Participants learn about improvisation, instrument blend, articulation awareness, and the “swing” style of playing as they experience many styles of jazz in a smaller group format.
This group rehearses every Monday 2:40 p.m.–3:30 p.m. and performs twice per year. No audition is required.
Full Orchestra
This cocurricular group plays the music of baroque, classical, and modern composers, giving students the opportunity to perform with members of different performance ensembles. Participants learn to refine their skills in intonation, dynamics, and instrument blending. Symphonic Band members may sign up for this group at the beginning of the school year. String Orchestra members are required to perform with the Full Orchestra.
This group meets every Thursday 2:40 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Pep Band
This laid-back band boosts school spirit by playing popular rock, funk, and hip-hop hits in a marching band style at all home football games. Participation is required for all students enrolled in the Concert Band.
AP Music Theory
Designed for seniors with experience playing an instrument or with a background in vocal performance, this advanced course focuses on harmony, melody, ear training, and melodic and rhythmic dictation. Participants must be active in one of Eustace Prep’s performance ensembles.
The course meets each of the six cycle days, culminating with the AP exam for college credit in May.
Independent Music Theory
This one-credit course provides students with one-on-one or small group music lessons with arts department member Andrew Ennis. These lessons serve as a supplement for any student taking part in one or more performance ensembles.
Cycle day and time are determined by students’ available prep periods.